Josh Taylor sets his sights on Anthony Yigit's European title following stoppage of Miguel Vazquez

PRESTONPANS boxing sensation Josh Taylor has his eyes on the European super lightweight title and a meeting with Sweden’s Anthony Yigit after victory over Miguel Vazquez on Saturday.

The 26-year-old produced a stunning performance at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, to defend the WBC Silver super lightweight title against former world champion Vazquez, and became the first man to stop the Mexican with a devastating ninth-round body shot.

And while Taylor was delighted with victory over his 30-year-old opponent, his thoughts turned to a possible meeting with Yigit.

He said: “I would like to go for a European title first [before any world title fight] and see what happens after that.”

When asked about the possibility of his next outing being a world title fight, the ex-Preston Lodge High School pupil played down those prospects.

He was, though, adamant he was ready for the top of the sport.

“I feel ready for a world title fight but there is no rush,” he said.

And Taylor reflected on a “tense” and “tight” display in front of a 4,000-strong partisan crowd.

He said: “I knew I had the potential to stop him but I think I was looking for it too much at the start. But [trainer] Shane [McGuigan] gave me a hard time in the corner which relaxed me and I started to find my flow.

“I picked my shots and hit him with a body shot which got him out of there.”

The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist was full of praise for Vazquez, whom he said was an “awkward” opponent.

He added: “”He came down with his head which is where the cut [above my left eye] came from.

“He is very tough. It is definitely the hardest test of my career so far.

“It’s a massive statement to be the first guy to stop him.”

And as for what comes next, he did not rule out the possibility of fighting for a British title – despite manager Barry McGuigan saying it was “a step back”.

Taylor added: “I have got every faith in my team in which way they want me to go.

“I want to fight for the Lonsdale belt because to say I’ve been British champion would be brilliant.

“If that doesn’t happen then maybe the European, but I am knocking on the door [for a world title shot] now.”

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